Notes on The Invention of the Police by Jill Lepore

The Invention of the Police

Overview of the Article

  • Title: The Invention of the Police

  • Author: Jill Lepore

  • Publication Date: July 13, 2020

  • Source: The New Yorker

Main Thesis

  • The rapid expansion of American policing is primarily attributed to slavery.

Contextual Background

  • Historical Image: The Chinatown Squad, known for its harsh policing methods, is highlighted as an example from 1905 in San Francisco.

  • Importance of the Topic: The examination of American policing practices gives insight into broader themes of racial injustice and the historical context of law enforcement in the United States.

Quick Reference

  • Duration: 37 minutes (audio subscription available)

  • Print Issue: Featured in the July 20, 2020 edition entitled "The Long Blue Line."

Author Background

  • Jill Lepore:

    • Position: Staff writer at The New Yorker

    • Academic Role: Professor at Harvard University

    • Notable Works: "The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State" (upcoming August 2026)

Related Themes

  • Emphasis on:

    • Racial Injustice in America

    • Nature of Policing and Protests

    • Impact on and relations to African-American communities

    • Overall themes of Race and Racism in American History

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Additional Content from The New Yorker

  • Other articles mentioned:

    • "When Humanitarian Aid Is Considered a Crime" - discussing ethical and legal boundaries in humanitarian efforts.

    • "The Unmaking of the American University" - observing the impact of federal funding on higher education institutions.

    • "My Childhood in the Weather Underground" - a personal narrative of growing up amidst radical activist environments.

    • "How the Guillotine Got Axed" - reflections on capital punishment in the U.S. compared to the historical abolition in France.

    • "Shot by Border Patrol" - a case analysis focusing on issues of domestic terrorism and law enforcement accountability.

    • "The Zombie Regulator" - critiques on government regulation amidst economic challenges.

    • "Is Cuba Next?" - discussing America's geopolitical strategies and their implications.

Note on Ethics and Implications

  • The themes interwoven in these topics provide a fertile ground for discussions related to the morality of policing, the legacy of racial discrimination in public service, and the societal obligations involved in humanitarian assistance.